LOC17:48
14:48 GMT
ISLAMABAD, April 8 (KUNA) -- Pakistan's Federal Cabinet Wednesday approved
the construction of long-delayed Pakistan-Iran-India (IPI) gas pipeline and
also gave the go ahead for purchase of 750 million cubic feet gas from Iran to
fulfill the growing local requirements.
The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, also decided to a
gas import agreement with Iran and to utilize the imported gas for power
generation in place of furnace oil which would prove about 40 percent
economical, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira told
media after the meeting.
The multibillion IPI gas pipeline project has been delayed largely owing to
US pressure on Pakistan and India and also differences over the price
mechanism between the three countries.
India has quietly drawn out the project, but China has shown interest to be
part of the overland gas pipeline project and Pakistan has remained committed
due to ever-increasing energy crises in the country.
Minister Kaira told media that the cabinet called for aggressive planning
for exploration of natural resources so that the countrys dependence on
import of oil and gas could be reduced.
To a question about US pressure, the minister rejected interference by any
other country in the project and said that Pakistan is a sovereign country and
makes its decisions independently. (end)
amn.ema
KUNA 081748 Apr 09NNNN